November 8, 2026, 12:15 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Christmas under palm trees, New Year’s Eve on a cruise ship, or a spontaneous trip to the sun: Those who want to travel around the holidays often have to dig deeper into their pockets for a vacation. Nevertheless, travelers can still find deals at the last minute and save with some flexibility. The key can be the very day when many people prefer not to travel.
Last-minute Christmas trips are still bookable
Those who decide to travel just before Christmas don’t have to give up their vacation plans. “There are still offers in almost all holiday regions,” says Anke Budde, president of the Alliance of Independent Travel Companies.
However, a certain degree of flexibility is required for last-minute searches. Travelers who are not set on a specific hotel or departure day have a better chance of finding a suitable vacation.
Generally, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, along with summer vacations, are among the most expensive travel times. Budde explains: “Demand is high, and this is naturally reflected in the prices.”
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Flights on Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be cheaper
Those who are flexible with their departure date may be able to save. Particularly unusual travel days can pay off when searching for cheap flights. “For example, those who fly on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or even New Year’s Day can find significantly cheaper flight connections with a bit of luck,” says Budde.
However, a cheap flight price alone does not guarantee an affordable Christmas vacation. Accommodation requirements can change the equation. “Many hotels have fixed arrival and departure days or require minimum stays over the holidays.”
Therefore, vacationers should consider both flight and accommodation together before deciding on a supposed bargain.
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Sunny destinations are in high season over Christmas
Precisely where many vacationers hope for warmth and sun during the European winter, demand is particularly high around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In South Africa, it is summer at this time, making the holidays a particularly popular travel period. Accordingly, prices can be significantly higher than in the off-season.
Other long-haul destinations are also affected. “The same applies to numerous destinations in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, where the European winter months are particularly attractive climatically,” says the expert.
The situation can be different at classic summer destinations on the Mediterranean. Because fewer vacationers come in winter, accommodations there can be significantly cheaper.
Why cruises often cost more over the holidays
Cruises are also in demand around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Many ships offer a particularly extensive program during the holidays. At the same time, high demand, additional costs for staff during the holidays, and special holiday offers often lead to higher prices.
Those planning a cruise over Christmas or New Year’s should not automatically expect particularly cheap offers. Budde tempers such hopes: “Those hoping for a real bargain should not set their expectations too high, especially over the holidays.”
With material from dpa